It’s beginning to feel a lot like summer here in Airdrie and it only took until late July.

Heat warnings have been issued for many parts of the province including some areas in Rocky View County.

Environment Canada said a ridge of high pressure is building over the Prairies. The warm airmass will produce daytime high temperatures near 30 degrees on Monday and Tuesday.

The warnings are issued when very high temperatures are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Communities in and around Irricana, Beiseker and Kathyrn are included in the warnings, but Airdrie is not.

“Our heat warning criteria is that it will reach a daytime high of 29 degrees, which it won't in Airdrie, not today or tomorrow, and it needs to for two consecutive days,” explained meteorologist Sarah Hoffman. “As well it needs an overnight low of at least 14 degrees or greater for a heat warning to be issued.”

The forecast high for Monday in Airdrie is 25 degrees, with the humidex it’s expected to feel more like 28. Tuesday will be warmer still with an expected high of 28, but the humidity will have it feeling more like 33 degrees.

While Airdrie isn’t under a heat warning, Hoffman said it’s important for people to remember to protect themselves from the heat and the sun.

“Sunscreen is very important. Limiting your time outside between 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. will help you with the hottest part of the day,” she said.

“If you don’t have air conditioning and you’re finding things quite hot you can go to public centers like a library or a mall to get out of the heat,” Hoffman added. “Make sure you’re drinking water and keeping out of the heat because heatstroke can really sneak up on you.”

The heat can have a bigger impact on infants and seniors and those with existing health conditions, along with outdoor workers. Heat warnings are issued when very high temperature conditions are expected to pose an elevated risk of heat illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

 

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